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PRONOUNCED 



BEFORE THE ASSOCIATED CITIZENS 

OP 
ON THE MEMORABLE 

FIFTISTH ANNIVERSARY 

eF 

JULY 4, 1S26» 



By benjamin GLEASON. 



" The achievement of American Independence was the practical annun- 
ciation to created man, that he was created free ! and it will stand in historjr 
the epoch, from which to compute the real duration of political liberty." 

CHij Celebration, 182,'.. 



HOWE & NORTON, PRINTERS, No. 14, STATE STREET, 

isie. * 



r^ r^ 



Xifs 



Leehfnere Point, Cambridge, July 5, 1826 



SIR, 



At a meeting of the citizens of Lechmere Point, it was unanimously 
voted, "that Ezra Stone, J. N. Howi;, Jr. and Anson Hooker, be » 
Committee to tender the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Gleason, fol th« 
patriotic Oration delivered by him on the 4th inst. and request a copy for 
publication," which vote I am requested to •Bmmunicate to you 
And am, respectfully, 

WJM. PARMENTER, Chairman of the Meeting. 
Benjamin Gleason, Esq. 



July 5, 1826. 
SIR, 

The "Anniversary Jubilee of Freedom" having passed, with much 
honour to the citizens of Cambridge, a day of most grateful associations ; 
tl^e extraordinary coincidence of time, person and circumstance, with the 
decline of the same d .y, in the decease of those venerable patriarchs of the 
Revolution, asserters iind defenders of Liberty, John Adams and Thomas 
Jefferson; the general interests of the occasion, and the particular atten- 
tions of friendship, duly acknowledged, induce this cheerful compliance, 
Respecthilly, &c. B. GLEASON. 

William Parmenter, Esq. Chairman of Com. of 
Arrangements, and Pres. of the Day. 

Maj. Ezra Stone, ^ 

Capt. Joseph N. Ho%ve, C CommiUee- 

Dr. Anson Hooker, j 






Cf 



ORATION. 

^'Tell your children, and teach them to tell 
their children, and they the next generations," 
of the glorious deeds of our renowned, revered, 
and ever honoured fathers. 

This great anniversary day is hallowed, and set 
apart from the entire year, and devoted as a grand 
festival Jubilee^ in commemmoration of their 
achievements, their heroism, their virtues, their 
triumphant victories and sufferings, and their 
grand results in perpetual National Independence. 
" The history of their lives, their children shall 
venerate !" 

The anniversary of American Independence, 
which has been, is now and ever shall be, a theme 
for the best and brightest abilities, with unremit- 
ting zeal in the good old cause, for years, has been 
celebrated, to the great honour of our country: 
stimulated by a laudable ambition and the true 
spirit of patriotism, we reach forth the hand, with 
the best affections of our hearts, and proffer our 
mite to the increasing honours, which consecrate 
and immortalize the day. 

The hearts of a free American People exult 
and rejoice, and beat high, in perfect unison with 
the joys of general festivity. Like the sons oC 



Fingal, while "the strength of the shell goes 
round and the souls of warriors brighten with joy," 
lejt us call on our "hundred harps to raise the song 
of peace, to celebrate the exploits of our heroes," 
and to cheer the mind, with the prospective future. 
The incorruptible hearts of our fathers felt the 
fire, the force, the ardour, the energies of free- 
•bom! Who, that looks back upon those eventful 
times long past, but must reverence their virtues, 
and patience and steadfastness, through all their 
toils, and trials and tribulations? Who, but must 
admire that unsubdued, undismayed and reso- 
lute perseverance, which overcame all the ob- 
stacles of tyranny, met valiantly all the checks 
of oppression, defeated all the stratagems of war, 
and finally "broke the check-teeth of the great 
Lion," by a wise, united and judicious bravery, 
and determined spirit of opposition, on princi- 
ples of public justice, honour and equity; with 
the full conviction that the Charter of LibcrUj 
and the sacred Rights of Man should be engross- 
ed, with the purest and richest blood of a living 
patriot's heart! 

That our fathers made this sacrifice to the cause 
of Virtue, to the cause of civil and religious Free- 
dom, is most true; true, they never once deserted 
this good cause; true, they never failed in duty; 
true, they suffered almost insufferable impositions; 
but it is as true, that favoured by Heaven, they 
realized, at last, their utmost sanguine wishes, 
in the glorious consummation of acknowledged 

INDEPENDEIVCE. 



It is of high importance to us, children of fa^ 
thers, who have done and sacrificed so much, for 
the inestimable privileges we enjoy, to remem- 
ber their heroic effort^ and examples, and to emu- 
late their noble deeds and virtues. It will inspire 
the true principles of patriotism. Will inspire 
them, do I say? Let it for ever remain proble- 
matical, whether it be possible for an individual, 
born and educated on this side the waters of the 
Atlantic, having exchanged the levity and thought- 
lessness of youth, for maturity of years, sense and 
understanding; I say, let it for ever be ques- 
tionable, whether such an one can be a nesrative 
patriot! No, on Freedom's soil and in Freedom's 
atmosphere, 

" The land of the free and the home of the bi-ave," 
there lives and breathes no such insensible, in- 
different personage. We all, in a greater or less 
degree, feel the importance of our numerous obli- 
gations in society; and it is presumed all must ra- 
tionally believe, that patriotism is the only pub- 
lic debt, which can really be a "public blessing;" 
and for such a blessing, for such an honourable 
debt, may we ever delight to pay ample interest, 
without a diminution of the principal, or redemp- 
tion of the capital stock. 

That patriotic fervour, which animated our 
Cathers in council, and on the embattled field, "dur- 
ing a long and bloody war," is yet unextinguished 
in their survivors' hearts, and all warm and glow- 
ing, with the current of life, in those of their pos- 
terity. 



6 

Witness the grand and splendid half-century 
celebration, the last year, in memory of the Bun- 
ker-Hill heroes, Warren, Putnam, Pres- 
COTT, and their compatriots; honoured by the 
good, the great and the worthy of different orders 
and ages, and of other nations, uniting with us in 
the temple of our devotions; followed with the 
unceasing admiration and plaudits of the rising 
generation, the pride and promise of the Repub- 
lic, like young Hannibals^ all — reaching forth 
their guileless hands to pledge their vows, and 
hopes and faithfulness, on the altars of their be- 
loved country. 

W^itness also the war of 1812, (June 18,) to 
its triumphal termination 1815, (Jan. 8,) at New- 
Orleans, under the distinguished chieftain, whose 
very name, like that invincible one of reputed 
"Ironsides," carried terror into all the ranks of our 
enemies; where along the extensive frontiers, the 
lakes and the ocean, in the persons of our young 
heroes, as Perry and McDonough, and Bur- 
rows and Lawrence, the glory of the Repub- 
lic was well sustained in the severest conflicts, 
and the world's applauding honours rendered to 
the majesty of this great people 

Witness the incessant efforts, mental and man- 
ual, of all times, to redeem the pledge given, in per- 
petuity of Right, at the first olympiad of Freedomj 
and the common sympathy of all hearty, in the 
constant excitement to enfranchise ajid socialize 
the oppressed of all nations. 



May this patriotic flame, in general associa- 
tion, relumed from year to year, mid the corrus- 
cating splendours of improvement, brighten all the 
stary heaven of freedom, v^^ith its illumination j 
and, like "the pillar of a cloud by day and the 
pillar of fire by night," guard from danger, and 
guide, to security and felicity and glory, the in- 
dissoluble Union of the States, in their fixed en- 
campments along the "rich vales," streams and 
hills of liberty, and grand march to empire. 

Well may we exclaim~ho\v transcendent are 
the blessings, which enrich the regions of our na- 
tal soil, "wide and more wide" extending until 
their utmost limits merge with the billows of the 
farthest oceans ! Well may we boast ourselves 
Americans. Our enjoyments, our individual 
happiness and national independence are derived 
from the high and constant sources of generous 
volition and exertion, flowing through the chan- 
nels of political and ecclesiastical toleration. Thus 
free and independent, we regard with contemptu- 
ous indifference the frauds and manacles of super- 
stition, spurn the supercilious menaces of faction, 
contemn the "threats of invasion," and hold in 
utter abhorrence the terrors of despotism. The 
altars of our independence are consecrated with 
the highest dignities of a free people, and the 
oil and wine of service, the smiles of gladness 
and the joys of unfeigned and increasing affections, 
flow around them, in richest plenteousness. 

Oh! for how much do we all stand indebted, 
this day, -at the remove of fifty years, from the 



DECLARATION of those good old patriots, who 
put in "pledge their lives, their fortunes and their 
sacred honour;" preferring the hardships of war, 
poverty, distress, desolation, and the jeopardy of 
death itself, to their colonial subjugation; to the 
violation, nay, even the attempted infringement 
of their rights and principles: for how much are 
we indebted to them, for achieving the American 
Revolution, considered in all its effects, as the 
most brilliant and extraordinary recorded in the 
annals of history, or "ever witnessed by the 
world." 

Shall we ask, wherefore they fought and bled? 
wherefore their hazards and sacrifices in the com- 
petition for mastery? wherefore their dangers and 
distresses, in the political strife and revolutionary 
storm? History, tradition, our feelings, promptly 
meet these inquiries. Ask the young, they will 
reply, with the tears of instant atFection sparkling 
in their eyes, because they have been already 
well instructed in these things, by parental love, 
at home, at school, at the altar, and abroad, 
where public gratitude has reared memorials of 
*' the iiiighty dead." Ask tJieir seniors, their 
teachers, and they will answer you with the smile 
of generous satisfaction, because by the way, 
or at the happy fire-side, or the bountiful table, 
or the monumental records of the times, they 
have often discoursed on these things; yes, and 
often on the very grounds, where I^iberty took 
her stand against the enemy; restrained their dar- 
ings of ferocity, violence and depi-odation. 



9 

"Their crimes confined'; 



iJ'orbade to wade ttiro' slaughter to a throne, 
And shut the gates of mercy, on mankind." 

Ask the war-worn soldier; the dignified emotions 
of his soul, in a flush of triumph, glowing on his 
furrowed cheek and veteran brow, evince the 
most grateful recollections. 

They fought for freedom; they obtained it: fol; 
their rights; Justice held the trembling beam-, 
and with repellent sword vindicated the oppressed: 
for their honour, and all that is dear to life, they 
wrestled and struggled with the gigantic foe; and 
to them, were the fresh laurels of victory awarded, 
for they were worthy. The field of danger was, 
their field of glory! 

The prowess of American arms was unequalled, 
by the best exertions of a well disciplined regulac 
British soldiery, and the humiliation of the first 
generals in Europe proves the assertion to be well 
grounded. Wish you further proof ? From this 
very centre, '■'■Fort Putnam^'''' the place, where 
the first steps of hostility and resistance were 
taken, and where the tasteful and elegant arrange- 
ments, for this commemorative festal Day of Ju- 
bilee, are now in complete preparation — f/om this 
good point; sweep your horizon circle, and observe 
the bold mounds of Liberty standing in the ex- 
panse; together with Freedom's grand outworks, 
towering, as in the pride of years, with all their 
proud associations. These are fair examples; proofs 
most positive, direct and ample; veritable witnesses 



*0 

de facto; and testimony of the most indubitable 
character. 

jFf -re too, with your magazines and munitions 
and armies gathering for the combat, was "Co- 
lumbia's favourite son;" here commenced his and 
their career of fame; here the first aggressions of 
insolence were reptlled, the first inroads checked, 
and the first blood poured out — the free-will offer- 
ing of a free-born race ; here, the first hands rais- 
ed to destroy were stayed in astonishment and 
admiration ; and here, where the first American 
press promulged " the freeman's oath," and the 
first University expounded the canons of law, 
literature, poesy and piety; here, first were the 
champions of Freedom rallied and assembled; yet 
unlike the Macedonian " invincible," in his freaks 
and fancies, our countrymen never " wept for more 
worlds " to conqufr; but having secured their unal- 
ienable ri'^hts, they esteemed it a task sufficient 
to subdue themselves; and in this, as citizens and 
no longer subjects of royalty, they most worthily 
succeeded. They became "one and indivisible" 
in the social compact and community of inter- 
ests, which, contrary to general expectation and 
prediction, "grows with their growth, and strength- 
ens with their strength." They are now rich, 
happy and fhee; — the conquest of worlds was no 
object with them; it was the acquisition of inde- 
pendence; for what would it profit them, or us, 
to have gained the whole world, with the loss of 
such a treasure? 



11 

They fought on the defensive, it was the right 
of nature; and they sealed the "charter of their 
•rights," with their hearts' best blood. Their con- 
quest, their triumph, their glory, all are ours; 
they obtained the invaluable prize, in possession, 
for themselves and their posterity, for ever; be it 
ours ever gratefully and considerately to enjoy. 

Europe looks with wonder on the undulating 
banners of Freedom, and to the list of enrolment 
would fain affix the seal of her empire; but alas, the 
'active oppression and passive suffering, with her rev- 
enues, expenditures, taxes, armies, navies, wars 
and allied governments, in multiplied and haggard 
forms of aristocracy and despotism, are so many 
obstacles to prevent an advancement to the Tem- 
ple of Freedom. 

The Greeks, on the outer borders of her ter- 
ritory, after a subjugation of four hundred years, 
have ventured again within the intrenchments of 
Liberty; and if the bravery of Leonidas, or the 
wisdom of Ulysses; if the sweet Albion muse, 
or the powers of transatlantic oratory; if the aux- 
iliary " ways and means," or co-operative tears 
and sighs of Christendom, could keep them there, 
their " ancient landmarks" would no more be re- 
moved ; in renovated glory might they resume 
their magnificent classic ground, and draw, to 
their Olympic festivals, their academical groves, 
their forums of eloquence, their halls of legislation 
and capacious temples of worship, all the sur- 
rounding nations. But the world, still anxious, 
waits to know their final destiny. 



12 

Asia in imaginary, but unreal greatness and 
ostensive wealth and power, with all her millions 
of population, would also fain be free; but the mis- 
sionary, nor the inquisition, nor the arms and dis- 
tributions of the " mistress of the isles," nor the 
Magi, nor Confucius, nor even Brama himself 
can arouse them from t!ie long slumber of ages, 
or awaken them to the glad Founds of Liberty and 
Equal Rights. Their casts are fixed and irre- 
movable, their condition fatedly irredeemable. 

U. happy Africa, far from thy sister nations, 
thou art fallen prostrate, unable — but to mix thy 
tears in the oblations of persecuted humiinity; yet 
thou thyself shalt one day rise, and ihy oppressors 
shall tremble! The poor slave rests on the oar, 
the plaintive chants of home and friendship linger 
in suspense; he hears from afar the shouts of the 
*' festival of freedom," he is man, "and who is 
more?" His pulse beats high, his heart burns 
within him, he rises in the spirit of Wilberforce, 
to avenge himself on the violaters of human 
rights; but, alas, his chain! what can he do? its 
dismal clanking penetrates his soul, the sigh of 
despondence, and the tear of humiliation are his 
only solace; or he falls insensible to pain oi- pleas- 
ure. O Ciod, be merciful to the oppressed, and 
hasten the day when man shall no more hold in 
slavish subjection his brother man, when all shall 
be free to perform thy will, and for their just 
rights to "do or die," and when the illimitable 
universe shall be cheered with the smiles an^ 
blessings of independence. 



13 

Liberty has of late become a mountain nymph, 
promenading the lofty Andes, with the poetica,!- 
elegance of lovely woman — 

" Grace in all her steps — Heaven in her eye." 
Her prospects interesting, delightful ! — 

" Huge cliffs and cataracts and topling crags around. 
The guards, with which, young Freedom lines 
The path-way to his mountain shrines." 

They call together the children of the Sun and 
of the golden wave, of the Incas and Montezumas 
of vast prolific climes, and inspiring an exalted 
zeal throughout their tribes, with inefFabie smiles 
and cheering presages, impart to all their auspi- 
cious benediction. And the day is hastening on 
when the extensive regions of South America^ 
when the whole Western Continent shall be free: 
even so; for with the "holy-alliance," Liberty 
has no connection; she holds her levee with the 
Congress of Panama: nor heeds she more the 
griefs of Ferdinand, or Charles, or Nicholas; the 
sceptred Bourbon, or the Boor; the Cortes, or 
the Divmi', her rejoicings are in the successes of 
the patriots and the triumphs of her friend and 
favorite Gen. Simon Bolivar. 

Centuries have now passed, since the great 
Columbus weighed anchor on the European 
shores, (Aug. 3, 1492,) " sought a new world and 
prepared it for the happy residence of Liberty." 
The voyage, the storm, the casket, the Te 
Deums of discovery, the intrigues of envy and 
malevolence, his chains, and the faithful Isabella 
are well remembered. How prophetic these inci- 



dents of the Ship of State^ through our eoloniai 
servitude — hardships — adventurous and perilous 
efforts, for the "promised land." But behold, 
we triumph, we are free! The Genius of Liber- 
ty hath descended from heaven, the guardian an- 
gel of our rights, fought our battles, secured our 
independence, and taught us that union, and 
freedom, and virtue should elevate our republic 
to honor, and glory, and increasing felicity. 

" Wisdom and Virtue are the glory of Re- 
publics," says the learned Montesquieu. While 
wisdom supports and virtue ornaments; while 
wisdom plans and virtue executes; while wis- 
dom is the basis and virtue the fabric of the civil 
and social constituents of society; while such is 
the deep and solid foundation, the elegant and 
admirable supsrstructuj^c, a nation will flourish, 
and a nation must be happy: but should power, 
or gold, or perverseness, or pride, or luxury mur 
tilatc the one, or corrupt the other, the natural con^ 
sequence is inevitable ruin; and the passing stran- 
ger must drop a tear, when he reads the hie jacet 
of such a nation, fading on its mouldering mauso- 
leum. 

Since the year 1620, civilization, well ordered 
society, the arts and sciences, social refinementj 
valuable improvements, the interests of peace, 
and the various blessings of life have increased in 
an almost incalculable ratio. 

Proscribed and persecuted (and mostly for reli- 
gion's sake,) on their natal soil, our ancestors 
sought an asylum in a distant "wide wilderness," 



15 

secluded from the walks of civilized man; endur* 
ing the severities of a dangerous enterprize; cross- 
ing the western ocean at an unfavourable season, 
in "distress of weather," and struggling through a 
thousand difficulties of no common magnitude; sus- 
taining innumerable misfortunes and afflictions, on 
the rocky shores of Plymouth, and elsewhere; en- 
countering untoward and discouraging vicissitudes 
in the early settlement of the states, with the con- 
comitant circumstances of progress, from age to 
age; the continual hostility of Indian tribes and 
neighbouring colonies; and at last, in arms against 
the mother country, with undaunted fortitude and 
perseverance, supporting the fatigues and trials 
end sufferings of "an eight years'^ war;" follow- 
ing these and those, and contrasting the deep 
shades of the canvass, we contemplate the charm- 
ing scenes and varying prospects before us, with 
inexpressible delight. The American people are 
now fast increasing in population, power, wealth 
and fame, and with rapid strides advancing on the 
scale of agricultural, mechanical, commercial and 
philosophical improvements, towards the acme of 
national glory and the gaol of human felicities. 

Think, fellow citizens, where, even since that 
memorable year, 1776, was spread the buffiilo couch 
and bear-skin matrass at the tribunal of savage fero- 
city; where were displayed the implements of In- 
dian warfare; where echoed the long war-whoop 
through the forest trails; where tumbled the huge 
cataract down the awful and tremendous preci- 
pice; where floated Xh^ periogue and birch canoe;- 



16 

where rested the unstationary hovel; and where, 
midst plumes and pendants, bows and belts of 
wampum, in general "talk," was smoked the In- 
dian warrior's pipe, are now gratefully realized 
the blisses and blessings of civilization, continual 
improvement, happy society, and inviolable Inde- 
pendence; where indiscriminately appeared the 
sycamore and bramble, the willow and the shrub; 
now flourish the oak and the laurel, the cedar and 
the fruit-tree. 

Agriculture vigorous and blooming, now 
sits under its own "vine and fig-tree," approving 
and enjoying its numerous experiments; fearh^ss 
of the corrosive canker-worm, and undisturbed 
by the commotions surrounding its enclosure; for 
it is guarded by the circumspective vigilance of 
Cultivation, which, like the flaming sword of the 
cherubim, in the paradise of Eden, " turning ev- 
ery way," secures its blessings. 

Commerce also, hath pointed her needle, hoist- 
ed her sail, spread her colors, taken her insur- 
ance, established her marts, and extended her 
connections, among all the nations of the earth. 

And the Mechanic Arts, what wonders have 
they accomplished! What can they not do? They 
plant their cities near the shore, and rear up whole 
communities over-land; they channel the earth, and 
control the elements; they climb the billows, and 
hew their way through the impassable forests and 
mountains; they set their types, "and the still small 
voice" of their ubiquity, prevails over the whirl- 
wind, tlie earthquake, and the fire. Their works 



17 

lire like the miracles of faiths nothing impossible. 
Their power-looms are multitudinous as the ocean 
waves, and running spindles as their phospho- 
rescent lights, and their variegated dyes beyond the 
prism's power; their mechanism all replete, nor 
"molten sea ofg'Zass" mire beautiful, nor the giant 
"image of clay., iron, brass ^ silver and gold,^^ 
in vision, or transmutation, more wonderful ! 
They put their wheels in nntion, and directly the 
east and the west are approaching the same longi- 
tude; the waters of distant regions unite; the people 
of different chmes, and languages, and latitudes ar6 
in the same neighbourhood; participating by these 
facilities a mutual friendship, and the great bene- 
fits of improved society. Add education, if you 
please, and every other earthly good; and still ad- 
vancing, consider your religious privileges, and 
your proportional immense debt of gratitude, youf 
exalted condition, your enjoyments of the present, 
and hopes of future happiness; for such are the 
blessings of a free country ! Such the Inde- 
pendence of a FREE and happy people ! 

Oh! happy, happy those, who in this land of 
freedom, with immunities superior, and equal 
rights, are truly grateful for their eminent ad- 
vantages; who profess and possess the Amor 
Patrice, in the true spirit of citizens and freemen, 
and thus freed from sordid avarice, local preju- 
dices, and abasing ignorance, actuated by philan- 
thropy and patriotism, contribute all their exer- 
tions to the PUBLIC GOOD. Happy they, who in 
pursuit of wealth and honours, and the public weal, 
3 



18 

consistent and uniform, like the bright luminar/ 
of day, pursue their steady course, urged by no 
incentive but that of duty, and by no impulse but 
that truly patriotic ardour, which flames as a 
golden censer lighted at the altars of benevolence. 

Such have been; hence the " epocha of ages 
abounding in republican virtue," — both Grecian 
and Roman examples:— as Solon, Lycurgus, Epam- 
inondas and Aristides: Junius, Cato, Fabius and 
Cincinnatus: and in our own Republic, the corres- 
ponding great, viz. Washington, Franklin, Han- 
cock and Adams, etc. venerated patriots, whose 
illustrious names adorn the sculptured marble, but 
whose memory, and virtues, and worth are en- 
shrined in every heart. 

Forget not, I pray you, their wise teachings 
and earnest injunctions; learn from this high au- 
thority, that " Union ought to be considered the 
main prop of our Republican Liberty;" that 
UNION is the strong cemented foundation on 
which stands secure the fabric of our Indepen- 
dence: that "there is no evil to which govern- 
ments are more exposed then the prevalence of 
party spirit;" that " the extreme violence of this 
spirit degrades the character of a nation, and vi- 
tiates the morals of the people;" therefore we 
should " unite with one heart and one mind;" 
" our sentiments on particular subjects will be dif- 
ferent," but " every defference of opinion is not 
a diiference of jjrinciple;^'' "it is impossible we 
should all be of one ojnnion, and it is a reasona- 
ble indulgence to suffer every man to enjoy his 



19 



own;" these are " true and faithful sayings," the 
axioms of our political belief, founded on the experi- 
ence of the best and wisest statesmen. And that 
our UNION, social intercourse, harmony, and af- 
fection may be perpetual, let us wisely give good 
heed to their instructions: for Delusion hath here- 
tofore barbed its arrows with party poison, and 
gone forth in the guise of honour and patriotism, 
yea, in the sweetly complacent smiles of Absalom, 
peering under the ominous frowns of a Philistine, 
to trample down our dearest rights with impuni- 
ty, to corrupt our morals, contaminate our feehngs, 
betray our confidence, derange our exertions, and 
facilitate our ruin: but Delusion shall never pre- 
vail—no, never! we are not only free, but en- 
lightened; we have too much wisdom, virtue, m- 
telligence, hterature, and sensibility in our national 
character, to suffer or tamely submit, to its illusive 
and facinating influence. 

It is asked by Rousseau, "if Rome and Sparta 
perished, what state can hope to last for ever?" 
and subjoins, " in our endeavours to form a dura- 
ble estabhshment, we must not think, therefore, 
to make it eternal:" but with defference to the 
opinions of one so celebrated, we dare believe, and 
we do believe, that till the last pulsations of re- 
publican virtue shall cease, in the bosom of our 
country, till the last throb of expiring Liberty, 
till the world's last tear, and time's last trump; our 
principles, our free institutions and government, 
shall have an existence, and that existence, shall 
be glorious 



20 

Education is the "one thing needful." It is 
the strength and stability of repi:ibhcs, the vital 
and availing principle of good order and good gov- 
ernment, the greatest, most desirable, durable, and 
important means of national prosperity and fehcity. 
While a people are well informed, there is little 
fear of being hurried down the streams of popular 
delusion, into the vortex of folly, infamy and ruin; 
while a people are well instructed, they can prop- 
erly estimate the value of their rights and privi- 
leges, and the blessings of existence; and while a 
people distinguish themselves by their wisdom, in 
cultivating the germ of virtue and knowledge in 
the bud^ in the aspiring minds of the rising gene- 
ration, they may rationally expect to realize an 
abundant harvest of good, and all the advantages, 
which comport and are connected with, a free, fed- 
eral, American Republic. 

In the triumvirate of Cccsai\ Pompry, and 
Ci'Cissus, it is said, " every man sacrificed the pub- 
lic good to his own private interest." Happy in- 
deed the contrast, where citizens often devotedly 
sacrifice their own plicate interests to the pub- 
lic GOOD. We have no factions, no conspiracies, 
no ostracism, noCatalines, not even — excuse me: — 

[Excepting some small deviations from senatorial dignity, in rip-raps of 
pota;ions, Evho! & con-grieve er-raniings, "sky highl" some occasional un- 
holstercd faul s, and mistakes of honor; some trifling tact in electioneering 
finesse; some little surprises, now and then, in taxes and expenses; some 
few inconsistencies in policy ar.d politics; and some tolerable lack of free 
bridges and ee roads, contravening the doctrine of " free ships, free trade, 
and a free press;" wi'h some inconsiderable speculauons in weights and 
measures, »*ock-jobbing, hazards, credits, banking, bankruptcy, and crferfs; 
some grains, and scruples, and fractions of reveries of aristocracy, jun- 
toism, favoritism, and monopoly; and perhaps a few fashionable vices afld 
follies; — excepting these — and sundry Hf cetera!] 



21 

how many are the evils and defaults of former re- 
publics, altogether unknown in the archieves of our 
Republicanism. The contrasted view is indeed 
striking and felicitous. It is the Augustan age of 
our improvements, hopes, virtues, and intellectual 
pre-eminence. Our Julian suns are setting; a new 
and splendid age advancing; the welcome Jubilee 
of Freedom has even now arrived, fraught with 
eventful destiny, and laden with the honors of nu- 
merous rejoicing nations. Our stars and stripes 
now crowding every port, portend a sequence of 
transactions, great and marvellous, to emblazon on 
a field of glory, the age of Adams and Lincoln. 
Parents and their offspring are now ambitiously 
emulous of those virtues, which ornament and dig- 
nify humanity; and long may they cherish the ex- 
cellence so worthy of their name. May those prin- 
ciples of greatness, which distinguished the three 
venerable sages of Vernon, Wolaston and Monti- 
cello, and their three illustrious successors, Madi- 
son, Monroe, and J. Q. Adams, be the benedic- 
tion and glory of subsequent ages to the latest 
posterity. Then should the threats of invasion 
hover around us, our resources and resistance are 
powerful. Should Despotism lift its bloody finger, 
and point to the rack, the axe and the gibbet; bran- 
dish its belted sabres; or, " let slip the dogs of 
war, and cry havoc!^^ soon would our fields be 
forested with tl?e arms of the vahant, thou- 
sands of swords gleam from their scabbards to 
avenge our wrongs, — and ten thousands of hearts 
unite in the execution of defensive warfare, on th^ 



22 

insolent temerity and monstrous darings of tyran- 
;ny and usurpation* 

The day has been; when, with a high sense of 
duty and strong resentments, these principles and 
efforts were put in requisition; and let them look 
to it, who dare invade our shores, usurp our rights, 
or betray our friendships. " If offences must 
needs come,'^ innovasion, imposition, and inso- 
lence, we chastise; crime and cruelty we punish; 
indignities and insults, we reveiige! The acts of 
resistance of fifty to sixty years ago, (concerning 
*' taxation and representation," the " divine right 
of kings," &c.) against the whole British ministry, 
their stamp acLs, port-b>lis, East-India teas, and 
regular armies; when our whole population was 
but sm&ll, r.nd the whole p'^iysical strength of the 
colonies, not exceeding, not so much as the pres- 
ent numbers in a single city! The firm, and exalt- 
ed transactions of those days, I say, when "trou- 
bled on every side, fears within and fighting with- 
out," have consecrated the memory, and have im- 
mortalized the intelligence, spirit and character 
of our fathers; and whoever may adjudge the heirs, 
in the rightful possession of their paternal inheri- 
tance, may form a tolerably fair judgment of the 
views, and designs, and duties of their children. 

In those days, the capital of Massachusetts was 
honoured as the " Cradle of American Liberty;'? 
and greatly honoured, in the persons of its heroes 
and statesmen. It was in fact tlie key-stone of 
the political arch, in the old confederation; the 
ballancing power, in the whole co-operative ma- 



tjtiinery of excited interests; and the axis -of tU 
revolution; while Massachusetts and Virginia led 
on the van of opposition, against the tyranny and 
terrors of royalty. But the capital of New Hamp- 
shire alone has the honour of an exhibit, or mani- 
festo of a pecuhar kind, and in the finest allegory, 
viz. Liberty is reported as dying, as deceased; the 
multitude are alarmed; and this friend of man is 
borne on the hearse, through the principal streets 
and squares, followed by mourners and a pubHc 
procession; bells tolling; drums unbraced and muf- 
fled; arms reversed; minute guns firing; the citi- 
zens in mourning dress, so their churches, their 
halls, their shipping: slow and solemn they arrive 
at the grave; they surround the coffin; on the lid 
is engraved "Liberty, ^Et. 146," grief affects 
the beholders; the eulogy is pronounced; and they 
are about to consign this aged matron to the dust! 
but signs of Ufe are observed; the cry is " Liber- 
ty revives;" all rejoice— and Liberty! Liberty! 
echoes to the remotest bounds: mourning is chang- 
ed to joy; the bells resound a merry peal; the mu- 
sic strikes up in sprightly measure; the cannons' 
roar salutes the returning and dispersing crowds; 
the halyards run up the yankee bunting, and lash 
their colours to the highest peak; a universal fes- 
tivity succeeds the " forlorn hope;" all around is 
splendid joyfulness; and the grateful sentiment is— 
^' Where Liberty dwells, there is my country.^'' 

This is a most interesting historical fact, (of 
some sixty years since,) and in miniature and the 
compass of a day, a complete pictured allegory 



H 

bf years of those dangerous and dreadful " times 
that tried men's souls," as in the crucible of af- 
fliction; and prophetic too, for like the revival of 
Liberty, and the subsequent festival joys — what do 
you now behold, this day, throughout your coun- 
try, of improvements, and interests and happiness? 
What do you now witness, with its increasing 
millions of population, of wealth, and power, and 
greatness, and awarded honours, and immortal 
fame? Then, O! then, forget not those, who, un- 
der Heaven, have secured to you, and your succes- 
sive generations, these inestimable blessings. 

Behold! our political ship has beat through the 
tempest of war; fearless " met the enemy," and 
nail'jd her flag in the hour of battle; outrode the 
currents and whirlpools of civil dissention; clear- 
ed the tory shoal; the traitor rock; the surf and 
breakers of intrigue and faction; "made all her 
course and reckoning good;" and this day, freight- 
ed with the reminiscences of Jifty years ago, and 
a large invoice of between two and three hundred 
years of special facts; in the haven of auspicious 
secuj'ity, attired in richest national dress, and the 
colours of all nations, rides at anchor, in safe moor- 
ings, on the full tide of national prosperity. 

It has been said that a standing army is 
necessary to the well being of a people, and the 
protection of Liberty; but with the best authority, 
we controvert this assertion; our wisest politicians 
and a national majority give their dissenting suf- 
frage, and pronounce standing armies the bane of 
nil free governments: so far from supporting the 



25 

Constitution called the " Magna Charta of In^ 
dependence," and the " Palladium of Liberty;'* 
it is contrary to all its provisions; would be its ter- 
ror; would wrest its powers; and hold in jeopardy 
its very existence. If in Europe they are neces- 
sary, and if debts are also necessary, they must^ 
at best, be considered as "necessary evils." — 
Allow they have standing armies, and allow the 
^'- JS'ational Debt of Eugland^^ alone to be near- 
ly a thousand millions pounds sterling! (enough, 
one would think, to break down a kingdom, or to 
break up an empire, or to form a new planet, if 
planets were made of specie, or bullion;) yet our 
policy is to dispense with these perils and evils al- 
together; so with court-titles, sceptres, thrones, 
and all other appendages to JMonarchy, be they 
what they may, as much as it may be possible. 

Our people are " the only sovereign, in this hap- 
py land;" our national debt. Gratitude; all others 
sooner or later meet their fate, in one continual 
^'sinking fund;" our citizens — Soldiers, and each 
soldier a Citizen, in republican simphcity, consti- 
tuting that great body of Militia, over all the 
States, with whom are the sayings: " millions for 
defence, but not a cent for tribute;" " enemies 
in war, in peace friends;" " Peace, commerce 
and honest friendship with all nations, entangling 
alliances with none." These are free men; ex^^ 
pert, prompt, circumspect, ready "to meet the 
invading foe at the shore, and to immolate them 
jn their boats; or, overpowered, to dispute with 
4 



them every inch of ground, burn every blade of 
grass, break every lance, and make the last en- 
trenchment of liberty their graves." 

Happy people, may yon long be wise and grate- 
ful, as enriched with the superiour blessings of In- 
dependence. May peace diffuse her sweetest joys 
throughout yoitr highly favoured land; may Heaven 
crown the labours of your husbandmen with rosy 
health and cheering plenty; may commerce con- 
tinue to direct her magnet toward the cardinal 
points of public prosperity, and the mechanic arts 
to flourish, with all its machinery in geer, under 
a generous patronage; and may the influx of treas- 
ures, from the east, west, north and south, insure 
the increase of rational enjoyment and true felici 
ty, and these the immense duration of Republican 
Virtue. 

This day is, and shall be, devoted to the mem- 
ory of our fathers; these are they, " who have 
gone through much tribulation;" and if we " pre- 
serve unchanged the same correct feelings of lib- 
erty, purity of manners, principles of wisdom and 
piety, seminaries of learning, temples of worship, 
and castles of defence, which immortalized the 
memory of our ancestors; we shall render our- 
selves worthy of their names and fortunes, of the 
soil enriched with their hands and often ivct ivith 
their tears^ and of the freedom for which their 
blood was the sacrifice;" to do this, is to " give 
consistence, vigour, beauty and duration, to the gov- 
ernment of our country;" and this result will be 
the rich reward of our fidelity; while History, ever 



2fH 

faithful to its trust, will record our ambitious do- 
ings most honourably, in the stereotype of durabil- 
ity, with the age of Washington and Adams. 

Our fathers were themselves the children of an 
illustrious ancestry. I speak not of rank, title, 
or hereditary distinction; though their heraldry is 
involumed with the empire of the "fast-anchored- 
isle," and their title to fame is gloriously escutch- 
eoned, in the archieves of a nation's love — in the 
friendship of all surrounding nations. I speak of 
them as the Alfreds of English History, in wis- 
dom, forbearance and perseverance, and as the 
most eminent of Grecian and Roman story; brave- 
ly daring all things " for God and their Country." 
But their sons were our fathers; acting with the 
same spirit, excited by the same ardour, adventur- 
ing on the same great purposes of change, and ac- 
complishing the same great designs — to " live or 
die FREE." 

This spirited, hardy, resolute and unyielding 
character may be traced back to the reformation 
by Luther, (1520,) and onward with the events of 
those epochs, which springing forth, from the pre- 
ceding gloom of the dark ages, seemed to produce 
a new era, in the history of the world; and if " not 
all the blood of all the Howards," nor "the 
fairest of the fair," among the errant-knights of 
those or later da5^s; they may still boast among 
them, of lawgivers, statesmen, heroes, some of the 
most excellent and worthy, personified in the Car- 
vers, Winthrops, Standishes, Winslows, and Brad> 
fords, of more than two hundred years ago. 



28 

Their peculiar traits of character passing through 
different periods, in the ghding current of time, 
cannot fail to be noticed and admired, by the nu- 
merous readers of this age. A uniform, industri- 
ous, provident, thoughtful, anxious, fearless, am- 
bitious, intelHgent, and high-minded race; their 
strongest characteristics, magnanimity, piety, for- 
titude, untired and unceasing perseverance. As- 
sailed by superstition, in the terrors of royal ven- 
geance, and local witchcraft, — and the tremendous 
doctrine of the " omnipotence of parliament to 
bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever;" sub- 
jected to unjust taxation, with the rigours and hard- 
ships of colonial dependence; contesting with the 
savage tribes; levelling forests, erecting schools 
and churches, extending arts and institutions; 
arousing the body with all its faculties to labour, 
and the mind with all its abilities to the interests 
of life; setting cities on the land, and fleets on the 
ocean; multiplying the social improvements, and 
civil and rehgious benefits of society, etc. In 
these different lights and shades, are drawn the 
character of our ancestors and their offspring; who, 
when " petition and remonstrance" failed, could 
spurn the divine and immaculate powers and pre- 
tensions of the Crotvn Royaly and awe the most 
gracious Majesty. 

These are they, who have gone through "good 
report and evil report, in perils by land, and perils 
by sea; in dangers oft;" whose lives, liberties and 
estates have been often jeopardized, by the hand 
of violence, or more cunning hand of fraud; these, 



29 

df not faultless, were magnanimous; for, their ef- 
forts were a crusade, for man's inalienable rights; 
and too often were they in consequence, the fated 
victims and martyrs of proscription and tyranny; 
literally " perplexed, but not in despair; perse- 
cuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not de- 
stroyed." 

These are they, who, firm, fixed and substan- 
tial as their Principles, now lift their reverend 
forms, to our view, in the distant perspective of 
years; like the mountain summits, in variety, in the 
blue serene of the horizon, fondly regarded — and 
never departing from us, only as we depart from, 

them ! 

They were Republicans of the highest order; 
well instructed in the High Schools of duty, 
and well engaged in the Gymnasium of Hercu- 
lean labours. It was indeed a phenominon in the 
natural world, that three milhons of such hearts 
should all beat, and feel, and act as one heart, to 
resist and revenge that pride and insolence and 
parliamentary arrogance, which provoked even 
"passive obedience," and submissiveness, and 
lenity itself to desperation. 

The Revolutionary ground once taken, they 
neither regreted nor receded; their trust was in 
the " God of armies," and they buckled on their 
armour for the combat — to be their shroud of hon- 
our, should they fall in battle — their robe of glo- 
ry, should they triumph for their country. Then 
with their stm^-spanglcd 6anner inscribed: ^'Ense 
petit placidam sub libertate qiiietem;^^ and their 



Eagles bearing in their beaks, "£ Pluribus 
Ununi;^^ the battle was " set in array — army 
against army." Then the eye of the immortal 
Washington, " lightning along the embattled 
ranks" of horse and foot, on the fields and plains 
of Liberty — a new vigour braces the frame; new 
excitements, like inspiration, seize upon the mind; 
and a re-action, in an impetuous rush of resistance, 
drives back the adv^ancing enemy to bite the dust, 
to surrender their proud trophies, or to evacuate the 
rich soil of Freedom. Our fathers fought and 
bled, and died in this glorious cause; as at Lex- 
ington, Concord. Charlestown, Bennington, Sar- 
atoga, Champlain, Trenton, Brandywine, York- 
town; so every where! that we, their descendants, 
might witness, on this ever memorable anniversary 
day, their ancient military works demolished, by 
the pick-axe and plough ; their fortress -grounds 
broken up in pleasant domestic lots; their forts, 
redoubts and piquets all removed, to give place to 
the arts of peace; to the festive board, and the 
invaluable blcsssings of freedom; and to insure us 
a perpetual succession of the good things of this 
life, with the most exalted views, and fairest pros- 
pects of the future. Or in other words, " swords 
turned to ploughshares, and spears to pruning 
hooks; and the desert to blossom as the rose;" that 
our rejoicings may be with gratefulness, in the 
Most High; in the strength and " mighty arm of 
our salvation;" in the smiles of " redeeming good- 
ness;" in the " hidings of his power;" and the 
abidings of his " everlasting love." 



31 

From 1775 to 1783, the footsteps of the 
hostile foe were marked with an immense deso- 
lation of property, and waste of human blood ; 
the dear-bought price of our Independence! But 
Heaven every where raised up sympathizing 
friends, who with the ken, the voice and heart of 
Chatham, bid God speed to Liberty. 

Never was the amiable female character more 
distinguished, or deserving, or honoured than in 
those days of peril. At the hospital, the camp, the 
tented field and the tomb, with the dying and the 
dead, these ministering guardian angels were seen 
to comfort and console, with the tender mercies and 
offices of kindness and of love: and while they were 
rendering the last duties and consolations to the 
dying, they were furnishing all possible encour- 
agements to the living — to acquit themselves like 
men, in the battles of their country. But who can 
describe the meetings and partings of kindred 
and dearest friends, (so like Hector and Androm- 
ache,) the painful solicitude, the dubious cir- 
cumstances, the anxious watchings, the pledges, 
and prayers, and tears, and smiles of those event- 
ful years? As we honour the JVation^s Guest 
and his country, for their timely assistance and 
friendships and as the ancients honoured their 
household gods; so should we respect and bless 
the memory of the fair ones of that remarkable 
period, designated as the "honourable Matrons of 
the Revolution," for neither privation, nor danger, 
nor captivity, nor death itself, could discourage 
them. The charm of innocence, the flush of 



32 

beauty, the graces of deportment, and vivacity 
of mind, were the elemental combination, which 
so astonished and delighted the world, and even 
on reflection, now soften to lovliness, the sad and 
distressing picture of their times. "Many daugh- 
ters have done virtuously, but they excelled." 
Many have loved their country, but with this re- 
membrance, it is ever lovely, and commands the 
homage of our sincerest veneration. 

With the seven worthies of the revolution 
and their associates, Gen. Washington, Warren, 
Lincoln, Putnam, Green, Gates, Montgomery — 
let us also this day, honour with our remem- 
brance, the seven distinguished foreigners, and 
their associates, in the American service: La Fay- 
ette, Kosciusko, Pulaski, Steuben, De Kalb, Ro- 
chambeau and De Grasse. — And while we re- 
member, with pride and pleasure, the six succes- 
sions to the Presidency, from first to last most 
wortliy — may we not forget the six master-spirits, 
connected with the affairs of the first Provincial 
Congress.^ leading the destinies of a nation: Han- 
cock, Adams, Otis, Quincy, Gerry and the famed 
Paul Revere — who, like the mighty men of Israel, 
were "most honourable, sitting in the seat, chief 
among the captains," and fearlessly "standing 
before kings." These numbers are peculiar^ and 
combined, are remarkably auspicious, in the origi- 
nal compact, union and independence of our com- 
mon country. And since that auspicious confeder- 
ation, a superior wisdom hath practically effected 
much, for this great people, in the organization of 



33 

a general gorernment, establishment of state gov- 
ernments, the protection of arts and commerce, 
the extension of trade and literature; the supplies 
^nd marts of a vastly augmenting population, the 
increase of agricultural improvements, and nation* 
al benefits; a war of proud and far-famed achieve- 
ments; the acquisition of the immense regions of 
Louisiana, and of other important possessions, 
and the extinguishment of all other titles and 
claims; the public revenues, well ordered society, 

institutions, and indefeasible rights but time 

would fail us to be more particular 

And now peace hath descended from heaven, ra- 
diant as the lustre of the day, and mild as the moon- 
beam on the mantle of night: the virtues, and muses, 
and graces attend her along the extensive shores of 
the Atlantic: even beyond the Alleghany, and the 
vast tributaries of the Missisippi, over the Rocky 
Mountains to the vast and extensive sea-board of 
the Pacific, the rustic nymphs and sylvan deities, 
civilization and refinement pay her the homage 
of their devotion. She hath deserted the ram- 
parts and bulwarks of the belligerants, and fled 
the arena of the gladiators of political strife, in- 
trigue and spoliation ! The ruins of the Bastile, 
the pride of the Vatican, the reach of the Helles- 
pont, the mausoleum of the Emperor of all the 
Russias, and the grand exchequer of the Holy 
Alliance, have no especial charm of interest for 
her; nor has she planted her "olive-wand" on the 
margin of the Tagus, or the Neva; the Nile, or 
ttie Ganges ! From the richest vales of the Old 
5 



34 

Continent to the proudest "monuments of nature," 
eternal as the globe, and rising with awful sub- 
limity, from the very foundations of the deep; she 
claims no inheritance. She finds her altars aban- 
doned, her temples despoiled, her habitations for- 
saken, her courts and palace-grounds filled with 
commotion, outrage, and arbitrary sway. To the 
mild and prolific regions of the New Continent, she 
turns a hopeful eye, and sends an Embassy ex- 
pressly charged to consult the happiness of mil- 
lions. But where is her delightful abode? where 
her place of rest and fellowship? 

Thou, MY COUNTRY, thou hast taken her in thine 
arms, as the daughter of thy love, and her abiding 
is here. Here hath peace erected her triumphal 
arch, and liberty ofl[iciates at her altars of wor- 
ship. Here is their home, and here are they en- 
throned in the affections of a richly blest and ever 
grateful people: where the treasuries filled with 
abundance, the hills and vales clothed in luxuri- 
ance, and fields adorned with fruitfulness and 
plenty, "laugh and sing," amid the multiplied 
]oys of nature. 

Sec, on the one hand, stands Justice poising 
the equal balance, and with the sword of equity 
guarding her people for ever; on the other side, 
V^irtue elegantly enrobed in the graceful drape- 
jy of ti'uth and beneficence, displaying the Cap 
of Liberty, and pointing to the Temple of Peace; 
on the supporting pillars of which "the record^ 
ing angel" hath written — "Union is the only 
aure basis of national prosperity and felicity— ^ 



35 

EDUCATION and the moral virtues the only 
sure guarantee of independence for ever." 
Peace, with dehght, beholds her sons suspend- 
ing, and often burnishing their implements of war, 
near her golden shrines ; to which her loved and 
amiable daughters attach the ever-green laurel 
and the ever-blooming garland; while millions in 
her sacred fane, annually rejoicing, chaunt, in 
grateful and perpetual thanksgiving, in the choral 
songs of " Adams and Liberty," — 

f'Ye sons of Columbia, who bravely have fought, 

For those Rights, which unstain'd, from your sires had 
descended; 
May you long taste the blessings your valour has bought, 
And your sons reap the soil, which their fathers defended. 
'Mid the reign of mild Peace, 
May your Nation increase, 
With the glory of Rome, and the wisdom of Greece; 
And ne'er may the sons of Columbia be slaves, 
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls it waves," 

"Let Fame to the world sound America's voice; 

No INTRIGUE can her sons from their Government sever; 
Her PRIDE is her ADAMS — his laws are her choice, 
And shall flourish, till Liberty slumber for ever! 
Then unite, heart and hand, 
Like Leonidas' band, 
And swear to the God of the ocean and land, 
That ne'er shall the sons of Columbia be slaves, 
|Vhile the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its wave§.'.^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




